The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1887-09-07

II Is q sad duty to announce the death oil
the model journalist and Christian gentle
man. whose name heads this article. NJ al.
Mason was born in Delaware, in 1918, ana
had nearly reached the term allotted 10
human life BY the Psalmist, three score
wears and ten. He had lived in Missis-
sippi City years, and during all this period
of extraordinary events he had been
conspicuous actor in public affairs; but
more especially was he identified with the
politics and local interests of Claiborne
county, where his destiny was cast IN early
manhood. and where he was universally
honored, He was one of the few men
who toiled for the public without dream
ing that his labors should be rewarded
with Office. Nominated by the Democrats
OF his county, on one occasion. he prompt
ly declined the proffered trust. After the
restoration of the National Democratic
party, (of which he had been faithful
rnember) to power by the election of Mr.
Cleveland, his friends, knowing his merits,
asked the privilege OF recommending him
for an appointment which would have
eomported with his deserts, but he peremp-
torily enioined them to desist, and adhered
strictly to the rule which he had laid
down for his own guidance that office was
to be declined, not sought, or accepted lie
would have filled with credit the highest
offices in the land, tor his mind was cast
in the best mould, and he was profoundly
yersed in the science of government; but
he preferred to remain in the self-chosen
sohere which he ornamented,
.sLaboring gratis as a grinders wheel,
Bunting himself and giving edge TO other steel
At one period of his lie, he was en-
gagged in mercantile pursuits, but follow
ing his tastes, he drifted into journalism,
for which he displayed peculiar aptitude.
As journalist he kept upon the current
of events as they arose, and chronicled
them with impartiality and in the most
captivating manner. His style was Add
sonian in its perspicuity, simplicity, and
grace. Firm as adamant in the mainte-
nance of his own cause, he recognized the
right of opinion in others, and in the
ardor of MS own convictions. he never
left the domain of legitimate discussion TO
impugn the motives of an adversary. The
ReueiHe, with which his name was associa-
ted for thirty-odd years, had become
household companion in Claiborne county.
1t was a solace to the old, and guide to
the young. Traces of his strong individu-
atty could be seen in his paper to the last
His soul was too maguanimous to despise
a foe, but he loved his friends with an
ardor which neither time, nor distance, nor
the vicissitudes of fortune could abate.
There was no grain of selfishness in his
lofty nature; and mis- sensibilities were
the tenderest He was member OF the
Methodist Church, though he did not seek
the chief seat in the synagogue and make
broad his phylacteries, that the good works
in which he abounded might be seen OF
men, His illness was OF long duration, and
was borne with the calm resignation of
the Christian philosopher who had fought
the good fight, and kept the faith. His
| life record is illumined on every page,
with persistent fidelity to duty; and he
| fell with his harness on in the midst of his
| usefulness. E. b.